Golfers ready for shot at 10k for two good causes

A TEAM of Bristol golfers are to tackle the city's 10k race to raise money for two charities.

The group of nine, from Henbury Golf Club, are now in training so they can raise as much money as possible for St Peter's Hospice and Great Western Air Ambulance.

Team organiser Jay Hendy, 41, from Coalpit Heath, finished his 22-year Army career a year ago and after a 12-month rest decided he wanted to do something to get fit again.

His friend Andrew Teague, 49, who lives in Nailsea, recently shed five stone and mentioned he was taking part in the race.

Mr Hendy said: "I thought, why not join him?

"Being that we're both members of the same golf club I thought, why not try and put a whole team in?

"So I approached the club secretary for permission and approached the entire membership.

"It being the start of the new golfing season and the tenure of our new club captain Rhys Hughes, I chose to support his chosen charities and thus the Hedgehogs were born."

Mr Hughes, 42, who lives in Portishead, is one of those taking part in the run.

"As a club we try and raise about £10,000 for charity each year," he said.

"When Jay mentioned he was trying to put together a team for the Bristol 10k I thought it would be another great way to raise money for my two chosen charities.

"As a group of golfers we are not necessarily the best athletes – in fact some of us aren't used to running ten yards – but we thought we'd give it a go."

The team, who are all regular members of the golf club, hope that their efforts will raise vital funds.

Thousands of elite athletes and fun runners are preparing to take part in the race.

One of the selling points of the Bristol 10k, which takes place on Sunday, May 20, is the scenic route and potential on offer for runners to record fast times.

The race starts and finishes in Bristol's historic Harbourside and the scenic sea-level route takes runners along the Portway, through the stunning Avon Gorge, and passes twice under Clifton Suspension Bridge.

While many are pleased just to finish the course in a respectable time, the current records are held by two Kenyans – Gordon Mugi (28mins 29secs) in 2010 and Edinah Kwambai (32mins 29secs), who raced last year.

To support the team of golfers or to make a donation email Mr Hendy on he2601@googlemail.com.